Everything has to end some time, even dreams coming true on vacation. We all knew, you know. We knew we had to go back to school—the guys to their frat and me? Well, I had my dorm, my friends, and…well, math and science waiting for me. It will be just like it was before, and I did all right then. Before.Before the fire.Before New York.Before laughing together.Before Maven, Chance, and Banyan.… together.
Before Maven, Chance, and Banyan.
Before…everything.
I’m Giovanna Amsel, and no matter how I look at our story, I know we never expected what came next.
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I really enjoyed book 1 of Rebecca’s contemporary RH series, but book 2 was even better! I think he push and pull between Giovanna and the guys really made it feel relatable and realistic. I looooooved the progress they made (and got super annoyed when miscommunications messed them up) but that’s a sign of a fabulous writer. I was so invested in these characters, I stayed up late listening haha. Some of the twists were unexpected but you could kinda clue in on the big reveal beforehand (totally fine, didnt detract from the mystery for me). I was just waiting to see what fire came next, how the baddie was going to outdo themselves. I really wanted a certain DB to get what was coming to him though, with how he treated women (and his friend who went to the party with Giovanna). I thought the guys coming to her rescue and her being there for them as they let their guards down was lovely to watch/read. I thoroughly enjoyed and went directly to listening to book 3 haha.
For the narration, no big complaints from me. Some of the same small issues I had with book 1 came back up. The repetitive word choice for the story definitely improved in book 2. Nothing too major here, I would definitely listen to more narrations by Jessica (like I said, already downloaded book 3 haha).
You cant be disappointed by anything from Rebecca, so definitely read/listen to this series. You will fall for Giovanna, Maven, Banyan, and Chance even more than book 1
Wow! I loved the first book/audiobook in this series soo much, and I loved this one no less! This series is amazing! The Narrator of the audiobooks is fantastic! I love her voice! The storyline is full of emotional ups and downs, suspense, action, love, and let’s not forget the steam! I absolutely love Vonnie and the guys. I cannot wait for the next book!
I fell in love with this series, it pulled at my heart and had plenty of steam. I devoured the whole series in one weekend. I know I will definitely be reading more of Rebecca’s work.
What I love reading about contemporary reads is I can escape reality but at the same time not venture too far out. I love the safety confines of the modern times and the overall familiarity of it. Take Giovanna’s world for example. College life’s memories and sentiments are…let’s just say very fresh to me. At first, the idea there’s the excitement for the idea of being free from high school, parents and adults and the idea of personally making a path for one’s self. Hence, the key word idea. The thing is, I have come to realization that going to college/uni is far from freeing. In fact, I feel like I am from the metaphoric frying pan jumping into the fire.
Unexpected is def that moment and more. That symbolic point of no return for a meager young, dumb and broke college kid. The crashing of reality after a dream-like vacation from the previous book. Now what to do when there’s a rude-awakening coming for you? I feel for the heroine that time when she is lost and alone. That most vulnerable week where she has no one, friends or family, and everything is crumbling down at her? That’s so freaking true to life! Here’s to the author for being able to capture such a raw thought, put into an amazing story. I may be feeling vulnerable with Giovanna but truly, I’m in awe of the author’s words, writing, story. Of her dynamic and stunning characters and their honest to God real feelings.
I confess I am wary of the three mmcs, esp at that particular week when Giovanna has been the most insecure, most alone. But whatever, not my point. What I have wanted to say before my weird thirst for vengeance disrupted is that the very week has also resulted into this strong character that is Giovanna. And I think amazing character growth-esp if it’s the heroine’s-trumps everything in my opinion. My vengeful thirst be danged.
I love Kay, Connie and Felicia…the outstanding women in the story aside from the fmc. Giovanna must have lost a lot of things but she rightfully gained more valuable ones; the ones who will give her strength and support she needs even through the worst.
PS I love the suspense undertone of the story!